RHLSTP with Richard Herring Retro RHLSTP 97 - Emma Dabiri
Apr 21, 2025
Guest Emma Dabiri, an academic and broadcaster known for her insights on race and culture, shares her experiences growing up as one of the few black individuals in Ireland. The conversation touches on the complexities of race and identity, the significance of black hair, and the overlooked narratives in UK education regarding colonial history. Dabiri critiques capitalism's ties to racial constructs and calls for meaningful dialogue about historical injustices, all while engaging in playful banter about the evolving image of academia.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Growing Up Black in Ireland
- Emma Dabiri grew up in Ireland as almost the only black person, where this was a very unusual experience.
- This outsider status gave her a unique perspective and shaped her distinct Irish worldview and humor.
Race as a Constructed Concept
- The concepts of "black" and "white" races were invented around 1661 in Barbados to justify slavery and prevent coalitions between oppressed groups.
- Race was created to enforce hierarchy and division, not as a natural, intrinsic human categorization.
Race and Capitalism Intertwined
- Race and capitalism are deeply intertwined siblings born from colonial exploitation.
- The pursuit of profit fuels racial hierarchy and environmental crises simultaneously.
